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What do mature students/postgrads wear these days?

39 replies

JemimaMuddledUp · 05/08/2018 14:51

So, I'm going back to uni to study for a masters. I'm 40. I don't want to look like (a) a lecturer or (b) someone's mum.

What do l wear?

OP posts:
RavenLG · 05/08/2018 14:53

Whatever you want?

RavenLG · 05/08/2018 14:55

Whatever you want? There are no rules as what defines how an academic or student dress. I work in a university (professional services) and academics wear a wide range as do students. I get stopped all the time when it’s election time etc to ask to vote even though I’m 30+
Just wear what you feel comfy in, especially if you’re in long lectures etc.

RavenLG · 05/08/2018 14:55

Sorry posted too soon first time

Judydreamsofhorses · 05/08/2018 15:14

I’m a lecturer, and mature students dress in all different ways, as do younger students - jeans and trainers, dresses, skirts, dungarees, whatever. Practically speaking, some rooms in my place are freezing, others boiling, so you might need layers. You will also need a decent sized bag for carting stuff about - most of my students bring laptops or tablets, plus note pads, books, water etc. Kankens are popular, but lots of females have big slouchy handbags.

Staff tend to dress to suit their subject, so law lecturers are more likely to wear suits, whereas people like me in creative subjects are more casual. What I do find is that mature female students are more likely to “dress up” for things like giving presentations, often putting me to shame - I don’t know if that’s to help them feel more confident or if they have previously been expected to be smart in a work environment.

Staff in my work all wear lanyards with an ID card, which is often the only way you can tell they aren’t students.

dudsville · 05/08/2018 15:17

when you're studying you can wear what you want. Focus on your studies!

JemimaMuddledUp · 05/08/2018 15:19

I suppose what I'm really asking is what should I wear to not look out of place.

I've spent the past 20 years dressing for an office job. Although my last office is pretty laid back, it still isn't as laid back as being a student!

OP posts:
RabbitsAreTasty · 05/08/2018 15:25

What do you normally wear at the weekend?

Cappakay · 05/08/2018 15:28

I’m one (not full time)

Comfort practicality etc is a priority of course. If you are very short on time, you can put yourself together a basic “uniform” of well fitted jeans, plain tops, good coat, comfortable flats or flat boots or trainers,

What I would say is it’s a lovely opportunity to try on different styles in a group/social setting?

so if you want to mix things up a bit/ express yourself fashion wise (wear more dresses or more or less colours), then now is the time Smile

JemimaMuddledUp · 05/08/2018 15:31

I have bought a new bag - a Converse rucksack. I know I'll be walking quite a lot on campus so I went for a rucksack to save my back!

My weekend uniform tends to be skinny jeans, breton tops or checked shirts, coatigan or parka over the top, trainers/converse or chelsea boots on my feet. I guess this isn't really a look that is age specific?

OP posts:
Gruach · 05/08/2018 15:44

What’s your subject?

SupposedStudent · 05/08/2018 15:47

I'm a mature student at a mature college… there isn't a "look" as such, but nobody wears "office-wear" really. Just wear what you'd wear at the weekend, or when you're on annual leave?

TBH I'm struggling to tell you exactly what people wear because Nobody Cares. Isn't that lovely? 😁

Dottierichardson · 05/08/2018 15:50

OP your weekend uniform sounds perfect. Art and fashion students tend to wear more adventurous outfits than in other subject areas but otherwise you'll fit in in most areas. Hope you enjoy your course.

hannnnnnnxo · 05/08/2018 16:00

Some students dress in literally anything (ie something smelly at the botttom of the floordrobe) and other students (especially international eastern Asian students) go all out in luxury designer/high fashion outfits. So whatever you wear I’m sure you’ll be fine as you’ll be somewhere in the middle

hannnnnnnxo · 05/08/2018 16:01

Your weekend look sounds very ‘studenty’

Floisme · 05/08/2018 16:04

My experience of student style is black jeans, Ts, plaid shirts and sweatshirts. You have nothing to fear, op. The only thing that will signal your age is if you wear a coat.

NameChangedAgain18 · 05/08/2018 16:09

Your weekend wardrobe sounds perfect. As a previous poster has said, student attire is anything from looking like you've just rolled out of bed to designer clobber, mulberry handbag, etc.

Rosenspants · 05/08/2018 16:11

Following for ideas. I start my PhD in September. I am ancient, 57. There no hiding that of course. But I expect to wear a lot of cigarette jeans and trousers -based outfits, long layering tee shirt under a sweater or other top but not tunics as they make me feel a bit, dunno.....Also creative subject, so feeling like I can dress any way I like. I also like knee length or just above knee length skirts/ dresses with opaque tights and boots when the weather closes in, but intend to try midi length as well. When I went for my interview the panel were in all sorts....flowery dresses and converse, jeans and t-shirts, anything really.

StorminaBcup · 05/08/2018 16:14

I've been a mature student (I was 35 at the time), your weekend wardrobe sounds fine.

NameChangedAgain18 · 05/08/2018 16:15

I also like knee length or just above knee length skirts/ dresses with opaque tights and boots when the weather closes in

That's basically my work uniform - I'm a lecturer. And you're not ancient - I have had PhD students considerably older than you!

JemimaMuddledUp · 05/08/2018 16:28

Subject is Computer Science, home of the geeks Grin

OP posts:
Gruach · 05/08/2018 16:31

Ah ...

You can probably stop worrying!Grin

Rosenspants · 05/08/2018 16:47

Thanks NameChange ...... I’m just hoping I’ll complete it whilst I still have my marbles 🤣

Sharptic · 05/08/2018 17:35

As a recent mature student, I'd definitely agree with the weekend wear comment.

I was in a very small cohort of 40. Most dressed down for lectures, something comfortable. Jeans, top, trianers. Honestly wear what u feel happy in, I found that there's no need to fit in fashion wise x

elisexo · 05/08/2018 18:40

I'm going to be a master's student and will wear skinny jeans, Converse (I have to wear closed toe shoes as I'll be in the lab) and casual tops (tshirts, jumpers, etc) most of the time.

AuntieStella · 05/08/2018 18:45

" I guess this isn't really a look that is age specific?"

No look (other than nappies) is age specific, unless you are going to voluntarily place arbitrary restrictions on yourself. Where whatever you like, what you think you look good in, what you think is wonderful.

So start with what fits that description currently in your wardrobe, and then add to it.

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